Short answer: the Genelec 8050B. It ranks #27 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $3800. The Fluid Audio Image 2 ranks #43, rated 4.1/5, at $1899, $1901 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the Fluid Audio Image 2: Measured -3dB extension of 38.1Hz gives useful bass reach, while a 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids. The catch: The 6.80 ideal-subwoofer score places its measured native tonality below the leading monitors.
What the Genelec 8050B does well: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. Watch for: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers.
Buy the Genelec 8050B. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $1901 with the Fluid Audio Image 2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Fluid Audio Image 2 | Genelec 8050B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,798 per pair | $3800 per pair |
| Ranked | #43 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Active sealed 3-way | - |
| Drivers | AMT tweeter, 5-inch midrange, dual opposed 8-inch woofers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-27kHz +/-2.2dB | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 675W each | 270w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 112dB each | - |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU, SPDIF | XLR |
| Dimensions | 14.3H x 9.5W x 13.8D in | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) each | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.80 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Fluid Audio Image 2: $3,798 per pair Fluid Audio eBay
Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 38.1Hz gives useful bass reach, while a 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids. The active multiway design and DSP tools offer flexibility for a studio installation.
Cons: The 6.80 ideal-subwoofer score places its measured native tonality below the leading monitors. DSP flexibility should not be confused with verified accuracy before adjustment. Full-range headroom, room integration and cabinet placement still need attention in a demanding monitoring system.
Full Fluid Audio Image 2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 675W each |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 14.3H x 9.5W x 13.8D in |
| Drivers | AMT tweeter, 5-inch midrange, dual opposed 8-inch woofers |
| Enclosure | Active sealed 3-way |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-27kHz +/-2.2dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU, SPDIF |
| Maximum SPL | 112dB each |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.80 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Genelec 8050B: $3800 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The 6.49 ideal-subwoofer score supports broadly balanced listening, with a waveguide and analog boundary controls for practical studio placement. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers. Port-related response features and high-level distortion also warrant attention. Unlike the SAM models, it does not provide GLM room calibration.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons